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ITYT Exclusive: Gunnar Helm talks what led him to Texas, Longhorn football's rise, NIL program

Joe Cookby:Joe Cook09/13/24

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In an exclusive interview on the Inside Texas YouTube channel, Texas Longhorns tight end Gunnar Helm talks about what led him to choose the Longhorns, his development over the past three years, the changes in the program under Steve Sarkisian, and the Burnt Ends NIL Program that supports his position group.

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Texas tight end Gunnar Helm joins the interview, discussing his background and rise to becoming a standout player for Texas football. He talks about his journey from Cherry Creek High School in Colorado to Texas, driven by a childhood fascination with Texas football.

Helm reflects on his recruitment, including the moment he realized Texas was his dream school. He had offers from top SEC schools but always had a special affinity for Texas.

Helm describes the anxiety of transitioning from coach Tom Herman to Steve Sarkisian after committing to Texas, emphasizing the fear that the new staff might not prioritize tight ends. Fortunately, Jeff Banks, who recruited Helm at Alabama, joined the staff at Texas.

Helm details how early playing time in his freshman year, especially in challenging environments like Arkansas, helped his development. He credits teammates and coaches for helping him grow into a more complete player.

Gunnar Helm recounts his touchdown in the game against Michigan, describing how the middle of the field opened up for him, and how the moment felt playing in front of a massive, hostile crowd.

Helm highlights the strong camaraderie within the team, describing how Coach Sark has cultivated a culture of unity and brotherhood, which has helped them succeed in high-pressure games.

Helm praises the NFL-style offense run by Coach Sark, noting that it prepares players like him for a potential future in professional football.

He talks about the Burnt Ends program, a crowdfunded initiative supporting the tight end group. Helm emphasizes its importance in building connections between the players and the fans.

Directly support the Texas Longhorns tight end room! More information on the Burnt Ends NIL program can be found here.

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